The UK media have been carrying the story that Prince William will be coming to the Falklands in his first tour of duty after training as part of his RAF attachment as a search and rescue helicopter pilot. This has been picked up in the Argentine press.
The facts are that, during a press facility given at RAF Shawbury about Prince William's SAR training, the point was made that, during his 3 year tour as an SAR pilot, one of the places to which he might be posted is the Falklands but he needs to complete his training first. The UK press seems to have converted the 'might' into 'will' and stated, without confirmation, that his first tour of duty would be the Falklands later this year.
None of this is confirmed and MOD do not comment on individual postings.
Alan Huckle
Governor, Falklands

No decision has been taken to post Prince William to the Falkland Islands. Prince William has only just started his Search and Rescue training at the Defence Helicopter Flying School, so it is far too early for any such decision to be made.

Prince William

(c) File Photo

The Prince will spend up to three months on the South Atlantic islands when he completes his 18-month RAF Search and Rescue (SAR) course in 2009.

Prince William is set to be posted to the Falkland Islands as a search and rescue pilot, a deployment that would keep the second in line to the British throne apart from his sweet heart for a prolonged period, a news report said today.